Real life volunteer experiences

My Experience at Whale Conservation

Written by Emma Lockley

I worked at the whale foundation between June and September last year (2009) as part of my third year degree work, and as such experienced much of what the organisation has to offer, along with observing the experiences of volunteers coming for shorter stays. Organising the trip was relatively simple, just a case of filling in a form, booking the flights and there was a bed there waiting for me. I paid £100 a week for food and accommodation over this time, which I felt was worth the experience I had. The types of job working with this organisation vary. Each volunteer will spend 3 days a week working on the whale watching boats, photographing and recording behavioural data, and talking to tourists about the cetaceans and global conservation issues. For the other two days in the week, a volunteer can choose the topic they wish to work on, be it in research on the cetaceans themselves, or developing a project or idea of their own. The charity will support anything that has a positive effect on conservation or humanitarian issues around the world, which I feel is a brilliant bonus to the experience; if you have an idea, you will have support to put it into action. There were also opportunities to take on responsibility in the role of co-ordinator for longer stays, for example I was in charge of all research conducted over the summer, and making sure volunteers were prepared for the days work, and doing the work correctly.

I really enjoyed my experience at the Foundation, so much so that as soon as I finish university I intend on going back there to work for a longer period with them. It is very much a case of you get as much out of the experience as you put in, but if a volunteer is truly enthusiastic about cetaceans and the environment, then they will find like minded individuals, and the motivation to do something about it. Food is often basic, and cooked by volunteers themselves, so quality varies, but there is plenty of it, and the accommodation is clean and comfortable. At weekends there are many opportunities to explore the island, and volunteers are encouraged to make the most of local fiestas and celebrations. One highlight of my summer was taking part in an annual pilgrimage across the island, walking from one side of the island to the other overnight across a mountain range with thousands of Canarians to pay homage to the patron saint of the Canaries.

It is a good opportunity for both long and short term volunteers- some came for only a week. However, I think the more time you can commit, the more you will get out of it, as you are able to get more out of a project.

About the placement

For more information, visit the placement page for Conservation & Humanitarian work in Africa.